Asking for directions
Do you ever feel lost and confused, unsure of which way to go or how to proceed on the journey of life?
As His time on earth was drawing close to the end, Jesus was very intentional to inform His disciples about the future. They did not begin to fully understand many of the things He shared, but He assured them it would all make sense one day. Once, after some hard conversations with them, Jesus offered some encouraging yet perplexing words. He was clear with them He would be leaving soon and going to prepare a place for them in His Father’s house. He would come again to receive them and take them there. He assured them, “where I go, you know, and the way you know.” (Read John 14:1-4)
HOW DO WE KNOW THE WAY?
Thomas spoke up and made a straightforward statement, followed by a reasonable question.
“Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way?” (John 14:5)
I like the humility and honesty of Thomas. There are times when things don’t make sense, and it’s not only ok but wise to ask for greater clarity. If I am going to follow you and join you, I need to know where we are meeting so I can figure out how I am going to get there. Once the destination is determined, the steps to get there become much more apparent. Regardless of how many layovers, reroutes, or delays I encounter on the journey, as long as I set myself back in the direction of my destination, I will arrive.
Jesus answered Thomas’ question with unambiguous and specific instructions. He gave him, and all the disciples who would follow him through the ages, these words,
“I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” (John 14:6)
EXAMINING THE WAY
I want to ask you three simple but critical questions. An honest and sincere evaluation will determine your ultimate destination.
Who are you following? Everyone is following someone.
Where are you going? Every journey ends somewhere.
How will you get there? Ask for directions!
Thomas was following Jesus. Jesus takes all of His followers to the Father. If you need greater clarity, ask Him for directions! Humility and honesty will take you the long haul with Jesus! Let Him show you His way, so you will not get lost. Jesus goes by way of the cross where He died for your sins. At the cross, you will receive forgiveness and freedom from the baggage of sin and guilt. At the cross, you will receive a new life. It happens every single time a person decides to follow Jesus. His route is the only way to the Father.
GETTING IN THE WORD
I am praying as you read these words, you will believe His Word is the direction you have been searching for on your journey. Jesus is our source for life, and following Him allows us to enjoy abundant life, experience eternal life as a daily benefit, and empower us with His resurrected life.
If you or someone you love is struggling with confusion and uncertainty about their destination, would you stop right now and pray with me?
Dear Jesus,
I’m grateful you have not left us without a clear direction. Like Thomas, I’m honestly confessing, I don’t know where You are and I don’t know how to get there. Help me to humble myself and believe Jesus, “ … is the way, the truth, and the life.’’ I want to follow Him.
AMEN
If you pray this prayer in faith, I would love to know so I can pray for you!
